Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder, often called OCD, involves unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or urges, and repeated behaviours or mental rituals that a person feels driven to do to reduce anxiety.

Please seek qualified support: This page is general information only. If fear, anxiety, avoidance or distress is affecting your daily life, speak with a qualified GP, psychologist, counsellor or mental health professional. Good treatment is usually gradual, respectful and matched to your situation.

OCD is not simply being tidy

OCD can be distressing and time-consuming. It may involve checking, contamination fears, symmetry, intrusive harm thoughts, religious or moral fears, relationship doubts or other themes.

Support is available

OCD can improve with evidence-informed treatment. A qualified mental health professional can assess symptoms and explain options such as cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention, and medical support where appropriate.

Take the next step toward support

Information can be helpful, but lasting progress often begins when you seek treatment and support. If fear, anxiety, avoidance, low mood, OCD symptoms or eating concerns are affecting your life, please speak with a qualified health professional.

Our AI Phobia Support Chat can help you calmly explore what is happening and prepare questions for a doctor, psychologist or counsellor. It does not replace professional care.

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One of our experienced professional team members may be available online, or may be able to travel to selected areas, to present practical education on managing fears, phobias, anxiety and inner restlessness.

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Seek treatment early

If fear, panic, avoidance, low mood, OCD symptoms or eating concerns are affecting daily life, please seek treatment from a qualified GP, psychologist, counsellor or mental health professional.

In crisis?

If you feel at risk of harming yourself or someone else, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department now.